Tag Archives: discovery bottle

Feb18

2018 Winter Olympics

Posted on February 18, 2018 by jd785

2018 Winter Olympics

We stayed in a sports mode this week with our Winter Olympics theme. Our sensory groups explored boxes filled with wintery sports fun. The fine motor groups made olympic themed art projects and the language group hosted our own Winter Olympics!

It was a super fun week and we hope you enjoy seeing all that we did!

SENSORY GROUP

Paper shred at the bottom of this box was in the colors of the Korean Flag. We filled it with a variety of winter and olympic themed items including medals and a medal stand. The olympic fanfare was recorded on a voice output device and we even had a mask of the olympic mascot—-a white tiger!

The science access point recognize a model of a real object can be addressed here.

This box contained chenille stems in the colors of the olympic flag. The students loved the soft texture of the rings and loved bending them into a variety of shapes—-including circles.

Recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape, is a math access point.

We put some gold glitter in our yellow play dough this week. The students used a circle cookie cutter to make their own olympic gold medals!

Again, the math access point recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape is addressed.

Colorful costumes are a feature of the ice skating competitions. The students loved wrapping themselves in the sparkly sequin fabric. They also found the three glittery discovery bottles to be very eye catching!

Track objects moving up and down is a science access point.

Did we mention how much they loved the fabric 🙂

The winter olympics is all about snow so of course we had to have some! Insta Snow is great and really feels pretty close to the real thing! There were 2 different sized scoops—-perfect for making snowmen or snowballs 🙂

Recognize similarities and differences in size of common objects is a math access point.

Red and yellow food coloring was added to shaving cream to make olympic torch flames. The students had fun mixing the colors and seeing them change to orange as the colors combined!

Recognize a change in the appearance of an object is a science access point.

Bath and BodyWorks peppermint scented the water this week. That icy aroma seemed the perfect choice for a wintery unit. There were some pool noodle olympic rings to match, count, or stack!

Recognize two objects that are the same size or color is a math access point.

Matching peppermint lotion was very popular with the students—-whether applied to hands, arms or behind ears 🙂

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday, the students made an ice skating themed project using this: ice skaters

First, using communication symbols, they identified the shape of the paper.

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes such as a rectangle is a math access point.

Next, they used blue markers to make skate tracks on the “ice”.

Recognize that pushing and pulling makes an object move is a math access point.

They also got to make some skate tracks using our switch operated writing tool—-always fun 🙂

Distinguish between objects in motion and at rest is a science access point.

Then the students glued their ice skater DOWN on the paper—-pat, pat, pat!

Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down, is a math access point.

Ta DA!

Perfect scores!

On Wednesday, the students made their own gold medals using paper plates.

First, they identified the shape of plate the using communication symbols.

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes is a math access point.

Then they painted their paper plates with gold paint.

Recognize that the appearance of an object has changed is a science access point.

Pincer grasps were practiced as the students pulled ribbon through a hole in the plate.

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

TA DA!!!!!

Our gold medalists!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We had lots of fun this week in the language group! We had our own school Winter Olympics (although the weather made it feel more like it should’ve been the Summer Olympics). All of the elementary classes participated in the events.

We started with a parade led by our very own torch bearer and the host country carrying their flag!

The other classrooms created their own flags and had a flag bearer parade with it through the hall to represent the class.

There were some very colorful flags!

Our first event was ice skating with ice skaters on switch toys! We had pairs skating, so 2 students got to activate the switches at the same time.

We used the ice skater templates from our fine motor group glued on to pieces of cardboard then attached to the switch toys with velcro.

The skaters danced to music from Beauty and the Beast which was recorded on a voice output device.

The switch we used for the boy skater was wireless so we got some super cool twirls which the students (and adults) found quite exciting!

We had another student who was the score keeper.

He used an All-Turn-It spinner with numbers around it so whatever number it landed on was the score that was received.

There was some controversy with scoring—-not everyone agreed with the judge 🙂

Next, we had the curling event. We had 2 students from different classes compete with each other.

They had to push/sweep the ball through the cones to win the game.

They needed a little bit of guidance, but overall they did really well.

From that event, we went outside for the bobsledding. The OT’s created some really cool bobsleds out of cardboard boxes that fit over wheelchairs. We had 2 man bobsled teams: a student and a teacher.

Our races consisted of 2 teams at a time. The teams had to wait to hear “GO” before running to the finish.

This event was lots of fun!

Like the dragon boat races we had a few weeks ago, we found out just how competitive our teachers are 🙂

The final event was the luge. Our students had to follow directions to keep their bodies on the sleds in order to “luge” down the hill.

Although it was a short ride, they had so much fun!

Everybody got to take a turn…..

…..or two or three 🙂

Finally, everyone came together for the medals. Each student received a medal for participating.

We took team photos.

Everyone agreed…….

…………. it was a Winter Olympics hit!

Join us again next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Sep9

California

Posted on September 9, 2017 by jd785

California

We are California dreaming this week! Ms. Jen’s vacation to California inspired us to learn more about the Golden State. The sensory groups explored boxes related to facts about California. The fine motor groups made art projects related to state symbols and the language group dressed up like movie stars!

SENSORY GROUP

This box was of blue and gold paper shred—-California state colors had lots to discover. Many foods are grown there so we put in a variety of plastic fruit and vegetables. We included state symbols such as the grizzly bear, the dog faced butterfly, a discovery bottle with “benitoite”, the state gemstone, and a picture of President Nixon who was born there! We even included some movie star sunglasses 🙂

The science access point recognize a model of a real object can be addressed here.

Death Valley is the driest place in North America! We used play sand for this box and added a funnel and small scoop. There was also a map of California to find at the bottom of the box. They had really had fun with this box!

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

The oldest operating McDonalds is in California! The students used a letter M cookie cutter to make some “golden arches” in yellow moon sand. There were also a couple of different sized scoops added to the fun.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

The California gold rush started in 1848 and California is known as the Golden State! This box was filled with a variety of gold items included beads, fabric, and holiday garland. Lots of different textures to touch and explore!

Use senses to recognize objects is a science access point.

Sally Ride, the first American women in space, was born in California. For her box, we put a little astronaut and 2 big stars to discover in a box of “outer space” black beans.

Recognize objects as the same is a science access point.

We sprinkled blue and yellow glitter into “Pacific Ocean foam” shaving cream this week. As usual, our students had a blast with messy play 🙂

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

California borders the Pacific Ocean so for our water play we put in some dolphins and sharks—- animals that might be seen swimming along the coast. There were also 2 different sized scoops for added fun!

The science access point recognize a model of a real object and the math access point recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids, can both be addressed with this activity.

Bath and BodyWorks ocean scent was perfect for our water play and lotion. The scent was a hit with pretty much every student!

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point that can be addressed here.

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made some giant redwood trees—-redwoods are the California state tree!

We started by identifying the color green and the number 3.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color is a science access point.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Next we used paper cutters or switch operated scissors to cut out BIG green triangles counting each side as it as cut.

Recognize that pushing or pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

The triangles were glued to paper towel tubes and——–TaDA!

It’s a giant redwood tree!

On Wednesday we made bunches of grapes—-one of California’s largest crops!

We started by identifying the color purple.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color is a science access point.

Then the students used a kitchen scrubber to make circles by stamping UP and DOWN onto a piece of paper.

Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down is a math access point.

To finish off, we asked the students to identify the number 2. Then they glued 2 leaves onto their bunch of grapes.

Associate quantities with number names, and recognize when an object has been added to a situation are both math access points.

TA DA!

Some yummy looking grapes!

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week, instead of making something to eat, we dressed up Hollywood style!

Each of our students got to take a turn pressing the switch to activate an All-Turn-It spinner. On the spinner we had different things that they can wear: hat, gloves, necklace, sunglasses, and a fur stole.

Once our students landed on a picture, they had to indicate where they would wear it. We had a board with the symbols for “where put” and then symbols for these options: head, hand, neck, eyes.

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

Our students needed some help with indicating the appropriate body part to answer “where”. They sure knew where to put them when they wore them though!

We had some pretty classy ladies and gents today 🙂

Hope you learned a lot about California this week, we sure did!

Join us again next time for more fun and learning———Group by Group!

Sep3

Making Our Year Magical

Posted on September 3, 2017 by jd785

Making Our Year Magical

Because our school is where magic happens every day, Disney was chosen as the school wide theme this year. Of course this is right up our alley and this week we went all out Disney with our activities! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to different characters. The fine motor groups made art projects with a Disney flair and the language group made a yummy treat you can buy when visiting Disney World.

SENSORY GROUP

This first box was filled with some Disney character figures, Mickey ears, a Minnie Mouse mirror box, and a magic wand. Lots of things to explore and discover in this box! Of course, the Mickey ears were particularly popular 🙂

The language access point communicate recognition of familiar persons or objects can be addressed with this activity.

The students had fun pressing Disney images into our Bippity Boppity Boo blue moon sand.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

Our Prince Charming rice box contained some plastic knights in 2 different colors to match and sort. There was also a little horse and a picture of the prince to find at the bottom of the box.

Recognize 2 objects that are identical to each other is a math access point.

We put 2 stretchy toys to let the students practice being strong like Hercules! There was a soft starchy dog and a stretchy bug also vibrated when pulled apart——eliciting lots of giggles 🙂

Recognize that pushing or pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

Our Tinker Bell light box was a huge hit and very entrancing to the students. There were 3 strands of battery operated lights in the box so it REALLY eye catching!

Recognize a source of light is a science access point.

Pretty darn magical——–

if we do say so ourselves 🙂

The fairy dust discovery bottles were also very intriguing to the students. They loved watching the glitter swirling around. Both shaking and rolling the bottles produced similar results.

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

We put some fluorescent paint into our oobleck to make it MAGICAL this week. It really looked pretty awesome under the black light. We also added a little glitter for some extra sparkle!

Recognize that pushing or pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

Hands were rinsed in Ariel’s mermaid lagoon! Along with a little mermaid toy, we put in a measuring cup for scooping fun.

The math access point recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids can be addressed with this activity.

Our scent for the water play and lotion this week was Bath and BodyWorks One Thousand Wishes. We are not sure exactly what a thousand wishes smells like but the name kind of fit with our theme so— we went with it 🙂

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday we made some Mickey Mouse ears using paper plates!

First we identified our paint color using communication symbols.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

Then we counted our paper plates and identified the number 2.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Since we had two ears there was a lot of painting needed for this project, so we decided to use sponge brushes to get greater coverage.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

We finished by stapling the “ears” onto black paper plates (bought at the dollar store) with the center section cut out.

M I C —– K E Y

M O U S E!!!!

On Wednesday we made some magic wands!

The students got to choose a craft foam star and then identified the color using communication symbols.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

Then the students decorated their stars using an assortment of stickers and putting them DOWN onto their stars.Peeling the backing off those stickers is a great way to practice pincer grasp skills!

Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship such as up or down is a math access point.

TA DA!!!

We going to make it a magical year!

LANGUAGE GROUP

This week, we made a cool treat that is actually sold in Disney World–a Pineapple Whip. Here is the recipe that we followed: Let_s Make a Disney World Pineapple Whip!

We started by pouring in a small can of pineapple juice followed by 3 tbsp of honey. We asked our students what we would use to measure out the honey: a tablespoon or a measuring cup.

Recognize differences in containers that hold liquids is a math access point.

We then added some frozen pineapple. Each student got to feel the bag. They conveyed whether it felt HOT or COLD. Recognize the temperature of items, such as food, as cool or warm is a science access point.

Then we added the pineapple and some Cool Whip topping.

The math access point recognize when an object is added to a situation is addressed here.

Our students then had to turn on the food processor using a switch. Since it was a little runnier than it was supposed to be, we added some ice.

Observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic is a science access point that can be addressed here.

Once it was all blended and smooth, we counted out cups for each of our students——-7 cups for 7 students! Each student had to request a cup of Pineapple Whip and also a spoon if they wanted one.

YUMMMM!!!

The language access point adjust body movement or nonverbal expression with prompting as necessary to communicate wants and needs is addressed here.

This year truly is going to be magical!

Join us next time for more fun and learning——-Group by Group!

Feb26

Louisiana

Posted on February 26, 2017 by jd785

Louisiana

We traveled again this week but a little closer to home—-the great state of Louisiana! Our sensory groups explored boxes related to facts and symbols of the state. The fine motor groups used markers and crayons to complete their projects and the language group led a Mardi Gras parade.

It was a really fun week that both students and staff enjoyed—–so let the good times roll!

SENSORY GROUP

This box was filled with symbols of Louisiana including the state bird (pelican), beverage (milk), amphibian (frog), honey bees (insect), and mammal (black bear). We also recorded a version of “You are my Sunshine” one of the state songs, on a voice output device. All of this was put on a base of paper shred in state colors: blue, white, and gold!

Recognize a model of a really object is a science access point.

We made 3 discovery bottles made using the state colors. One was all gold and one was all blue. The third was a mixture of white, blue, and gold beads floating around in gold glitter. VERY eye catching!

The science access point track objects in motion can be addressed here.

New Orleans, Louisiana is known for its Mardi Gras celebrations and the colorful beads thrown from the floats during parades! This box was filled with beads in Mardi Gras colors. Fun to look at, wear, touch, or watch move when pushed or shaken.

Track the movement of objects that are pushed or pulled is a science access point.

Looking super cute while wearing Mardi Gras beads–

that’s just how our students roll 🙂

This Mardi Gras rice was made for a unit we did a while ago and it was fun bringing it out again. It really is one of our prettiest mixtures and is just so eye catching! We put in letter L’s and a map of Louisiana for the students to find.

The social studies access point, associate an object, picture, or symbol with a location can be addressed here.

We made some sunshine yellow play dough for the state song “You are my sunshine”. The students had fun squeezing together, pulling apart, or rolling the play dough into balls. We also included a little textured rolling pin to make some “sun rays” and a cookie cutter letter L to add to the fun.

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

For our messy play we went back to the Louisiana state colors—-we sprinkled BLUE and YELLOW glitter into WHITE shaving cream! The students had fun making swirls, lines, letter L’s, or just squishing it between fingers 🙂

The science access point recognize pushing and pulling an object makes it move is again addressed here.

We put some plastic crawfish and a rubber alligator to swim around in our water this week. Bath and BodyWorks vanilla sugar bath gel was also added because we thought it smelled like beignets—-those yummy New Orleans donuts!

The science access point match animals that are the same can be addressed here.

The matching lotion was a hit with our students this week. They really liked its sweet aroma and after having it rubbed on hands and arms they left the group smelling like yummy beignets!

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

On Wednesday we made some trumpets in honor of Louis Armstrong who was born in Louisiana. We used the state colors again for this project!

We started by asking the students to identify a rectangle——the shape of the paper we were going to use.

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes is a math access point.

Then they used markers and crayons to color or draw on their papers.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

The drawings were wrapped around paper towel tubes that had been taped to paper bowls and……….TA DA!

Our students are ready to play a little jazz!

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday the students decorated a pelican, the state bird, using this: pelican-template

First we discussed the state colors and asked the students to identify the color blue using communication symbols.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

Then the students scribbled on their penguins with blue and yellow markers. One of our students scribbled using a pressure switch activated vibrating massager with a marker glued to it. He activates switches using his elbow and is getting really good at it!

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

TA Da! We love the Pelican State!

LANGUAGE GROUP

Since Mardi Gras is coming up, we decided to have our own Mardi Gras celebration!

Our language group entertained the entire elementary staff and students with a small parade around the building.

Our students dressed up in hats and boas and gave out beads to all of the spectators. We even put on some zydeco music to walk to!

It was a fun crowd after all——– everyone loves a parade!

We are a really fun bunch 🙂

Once we rounded everyone up, we gathered together in the multi-purpose room for our party!

What is a party without cake and ice cream! We had King cake of course and topped with vanilla ice cream (thanks Jeannie) with apple juice to drink. The students requested what they wanted using communication symbol sentence strips.

YUMMY!!

With zydeco music playing, we had to start dancing 🙂

Our students have moves!!!!

Whether sitting and listening to music or getting their groove on—–

the students had a blast!

The photo booth was also so much fun and we had lots of colorful props!

Lots of opportunities for communication as the students had to communicate which props they wanted for their photos.

All of the dancing and fellowship was awesome and we all had a great time!

We hope your week was as fun filled as ours!

Be sure and join us next time for fun and learning——Group by Group!

Jan8

New Years Around the World

Posted on January 8, 2017 by jd785

New Years Around the World

Happy New Year! We welcomed 2017 with a fun New Year’s theme. Our sensory groups explored boxes related to New Year’s celebrations. The fine motor group (we only had one because it was a short week) painted fireworks and the language group made some lucky New Year’s food!

SENSORY GROUP

Celebrating the New Year is all about the passing of time so we thought a “sands of time” box would be fun. Dry fluids are so mesmerizing as they are swirled around with fingers or drifting down from the sifter scoop.

Track a falling object is a science access point.

People often wear colorful beads while celebrating. As usual, this eye catching box of colorful beads was a hit with the students.

The science access point track objects in motion can be addressed here.

We recorded some firework sounds on a voice output device and added a couple of discovery bottles with beads and confetti——a total New Year’s Eve experience 🙂

The science access points track objects moving up and down; and apply a push to move an object are addressed here.

We put the numbers 2-0-1-7 for the students to find in a box of dried black eyed peas. Here in the south, black eyed peas are eaten for luck on New Year’s Day!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

We included a light box this week to represent all the colorful lights and fireworks associated with New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Needless to say, the students really loved this box!

Recognize a source of light energy is a science access point.

More color was found in our shaving cream messy play——it was sprinkled with confetti this week! The students had a blast creating their own swirling patterns.

Very eye catching!

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

Hands were rinsed in bubbly scented water from Philosophy. We had a couple of different sized scoops for the students to compare and contrast.

Recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids is a math access point.

We found a Bath and Body Works lotion that was called Midnight so we HAD to use it for this theme 🙂 Whether rubbed on hands or necks, a great way to work on body part identification!

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

We finished by popping some firecrackers—–of the bubble wrap kind!

This is always a lot of fun and resulted in lots of smiles and giggles.

Vestibular, visual, and auditory input is provided in this activity which addresses the science access point recognize and respond to different sensory stimuli.

It also addresses the how to have FUN access point 🙂

FINE MOTOR GROUP

In keeping with our New Year’s theme, the fine motor group made fireworks pictures!

We started by discussing the color of our paper and then asked the students to identify the shape using communication symbols.

Recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape is a math access point.

Then the students stamped a colorful mixture of neon paints onto their paper. We emphasized stamping UP and DOWN.

We made our stamper by fringing then rolling up a piece of craft foam. It’s held in place with a rubber band.

Recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down is a math access point.

Glitter was added for added sparkle—-you know we never pass up the opportunity to add glitter to a project 🙂

The science access point recognize a change in an object is addressed here.

Ta DA!

Colorful fireworks…….

The pictures looked pretty cool in regular lighting but the paint seemed to fade into the paper a little, so we brought out our blacklight.

WOW under blacklight——–let the oohs and ahhs begin!

LANGUAGE GROUP

This is going to be a new, fantastic year and we wanted to start it out by eating some foods that are considered lucky for the New Year.

We made 2 different things today for our lucky New Year’s snack. Here is a powerpoint with the recipes: lets-make-a-lucky-new-years-snack. Pixon communication symbols are used throughout the recipes so that our students could match the symbols on the book to their own symbols. The symbols used are some of the symbols that we use frequently.

First, we started by making some cornbread. Cornbread is supposed to symbolize gold because of its color. I’m sure none of us would mind finding some gold during this new year!

Our students helped count out the cupcake liners and we talked about the number 6.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Then we poured in the cornbread mix, an egg, and some milk.

Recognize when an object is added to a situation is a math access point.

Our students helped MIX up the ingredients. Then we put them in the oven to bake.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

While the cornbread was baking, we started making our drink: Banana Grape Smoothies. In Spain, when the clock strikes midnight, people eat 12 grapes–one for each month of the new year. It’s been said that sweet grapes are a sign of good months to have while sour grapes are a sign of not so great months. We made sure all of our grapes were super sweet!

We first felt the grapes and bananas that had been in the freezer.

They were COLD!!

The science access point distinguish between hot and cold objects can be addressed here.

We put those in the blender then added some grape juice, vanilla Greek yogurt, and some cinnamon. Our students helped PUT each of these ingredients into the bowls. Very tricky at times (grape juice!) 🙂

The science access point recognize when an object has been added to a situation is again addressed here.

Then they got to activate the blender using a switch–always a fun time.

Recognize that electrical systems must be turned on (closed) in order to work is a science access point.

Finally, when our cornbread was ALL DONE, our students got to eat some cornbread with grape jelly and drink their grape smoothie.

Cheers to a brand new year!!

We are so happy to be back and looking forward to a year of fun and learning——Group by Group!

Nov6

They Traveled to Space

Posted on November 6, 2016 by jd785

They Traveled to Space

This week we learned about some pioneers of space travel. Ashley, one of our fantastic volunteers, came up with the idea! This compliments the students Unique Curriculum unit for this month. The sensory boxes were related to different astronauts and space travel. The fine motor groups made space related art projects and the language group made a space themed snack.

SENSORY GROUP

Laika was the first dog who went to space! Found in her box were dog and bone shaped cookie cutters to press into some moon sand. Of course, we HAD to use our moon sand somewhere in this unit 🙂

Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

Other animals also went into space. Albert II was the first monkey in space. The students had fun finding colorful monkeys hidden in our black “outer space” beans. The monkeys were fun to connect together and also fun to look at under a black light!

Since the monkeys can be counted, the math access point associate quantities with number names can be addressed here.

We learned that the first man and the first woman in space (Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova) were both from the USSR. Our students sorted pompoms and beads in the colors of the Soviet flag. We even discovered that some of the pompoms also glowed in the dark—-how cool is that!

Match objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

Alan Shepard (the first american in space), Guy Bluford (the first african american in space), and Mae Jamison (the first african american woman in space) all got close up views of the moon and stars! We gave our students a little of that experience with our “outer space” umbrella. There was a big moon, lots of stars, and a little space shuttle for them to look at.

Recognize a space related object is a science access point.

Neil Armstrong was the first human to walk on the moon. In this box, we put in a little astronaut that our students could walk on a lunar landscape of grey Floam. They also enjoyed squishing and squeezing the Floam into various shapes!

The science access point recognize a change in an object can be addressed here.

Astronauts eat freeze dried food when they are in space. We thought our red Bubber made a pretty good (although not edible) stand in for some strawberry ice cream that the astronauts might enjoy! Included in this box were a variety of different sized spoons and measuring cups for the students to use for molding the Bubber.

Recognize differences in sizes of objects.

Astronauts cannot feel gravity in space so they experience weightlessness. Stars and glitter looked weightless as they floated around in our discovery bottle.

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

We encouraged our students to make circles—-like the earth and moon in our shaving foam messy play. There was also a foam shoe insert that could be used to make footprints on the moon!

Recognize a full moon as a circle, is a science access point.

After their hands were rinsed, the students used a sifter shovel to scoop glow in the dark stars out of water. These stars looked especially cool under the black light!

Recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape is a math access point.

Since night time is the best time for us to look into space, we thought that the Bath and Body Works midnight lotion worked as our scent this week.

It was a nice light scent that helped our students really liked.

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students took their cue from Neil Armstrong and left their footprints on the lunar surface—-well ok, a piece of grey paper 🙂

We started by discussing the shape of our grey paper and asked out students to identify the shape using communication symbols.

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes is a math access point.

Next the students painted the bottom of some rain boots with grey paint.

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move, is a science access point.

Then the students put the boots on and stood on a piece of rectangular paper. For students who couldn’t put on the boots, they just pressed down on them. We did discover in this activity that our prints might have turned out better if the boots had been smaller—-we still had fun though!

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

TA DA! Footprints on the moon!

On Wednesday, the students painted moon rocks.

First we counted out the rocks and let the students choose which ones they wanted. Then the students painted their rocks with glue.

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move, is a science access point.

Next the students sprinkled glow in the dark chalk crumbles (from Crayola) onto the glue.

They had a lot of fun with this part 🙂

The science access point recognize a change in an object is addressed here.

TA Da—-glowing moon rocks!!!!!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made a “Midnight Blueberry Blast Smoothie” that was out of this world this week for our language group!

We started by getting out some milk and talking its temperature. We found that it was COLD! We put 1/2 a cup of milk into the blender. Since it didn’t look like enough, we decided to double the amount of each of the ingredients so we put another 1/2 a cup in the blender. We talked about how two 1/2 cups equals 1 cup!

The math access point recognize parts of whole objects is a math access point. The science access point distinguish between hot and cold objects is also addressed.

Next, we measured out a cup of vanilla yogurt. Since we had to use 2 small containers of yogurt, our students had to convey that 1 was not enough and we needed MORE to make a cup. We compared the yogurt and milk and found that they were the SAME color!

The science access point solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions, using language, such as enough, too much, or more, is addressed here.

After that, each of the students got to feel the bag of frozen blueberries. We talked again about how it felt COLD. We added 2 cups of blueberries to the blender.

Recognize when an object is added to a situation is a math access point.

Finally, each of our students got to try a bit of honey. For the most part, our students communicated that they LIKED the taste.

One of our students helped SQUEEZE out 2 teaspoons and we put those into the blender.

Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli, is a science access point.

Each of our students got a chance to turn on the blender by pressing a switch. They love being the ones to take control of the blender 🙂

The science access point recognize that electrical systems must be turned on (closed) in order to work, is addressed here.

Once the ingredients were all blended up, we counted out cups for each of the students. But wait! There’s more! What is a smoothie without some whipped cream on top?? Our students got to help PUT some whipped cream on top.

Time to enjoy this galactic drink——-YUM!

We learned a lot about the history of space travel this week, so much fun! Join us again next time for more fun and learning——-Group by Group!

Oct2

Opposites

Posted on October 2, 2016 by jd785

Opposites

We had a lot of fun putting this unit together and the students really loved seeing their friends in the book. The sensory group explored boxes filled with opposites. The fine motor groups made art projects that explored texture differences and the language group performed experiments!

SENSORY GROUP

This first box was filled with ROUGH AND SMOOTH textures including plastic spaghetti strands, bath scrubbers, container lids, and beads.

Lots and lots to touch and explore.

Recognize and respond to different types of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

BIG and LITTLE was the theme of this box. A box filled with balls—-what could be more fun than that 🙂

Recognize differences in size of objects is a math access point.

Our discovery bottles were filled with beads that floated UP and DOWN as the bottles were shaken or turned.

The math access point recognize a movement that reflects a spatial relationship, such as up and down, is addressed here.

LIGHT and DARK were explored with our light box. Our students really love lights, and the colorful ones we put in this shoebox were especially attractive.

Recognize a source of light energy is a science access point.

Our students pushed HARD cookie cutters into the SOFT playdough. As a bonus, the cookie cutters were also opposites—-ANIMAL and PLANT!

The science access point apply a push to move an object is addressed here.

Students practiced scooping IN and OUT in the purple bean box. White beans are really easy to dye using food coloring and they turn out really eye catching!

The math access point solve simple problems involving putting together and taking apart small quantities of objects can be addressed here.

Oobleck kind of IS an opposite—-it is both a LIQUID and a SOLID! We added some confetti to give it some extra visual appeal. Sparkly, floaty, messy, and fun—–he students had an absolute blast:)

The science access point track objects that fall to the ground can be addressed here.

Hands got WET as the oobleck was washed off hands. We added some SINK or FLOAT objects for fun experimentation.

Recognize one way people use water is a science access point that can be addressed here.

After hands were DRY, it was time for lotion. It wasn’t easy coming up with a scent for a theme about opposites! We decided to use Bath and BodyWorks pink lemonade scent since the name has pink but the lotion is yellow—-not exactly opposites but close enough for us 🙂

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our fine motor group used sand to make their SMOOTH paint feel ROUGH!

First we identified the color of our paint—-we used a bright, eye catching PINK!

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

Next the students used brushes to spread the paint around their paper. We used black paper so our pink paint would really pop!

Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

Then the students shook some pink sand onto the paint to add texture. Our sand was really fine and came out of our spice container quite fast! Suffice to say, the table ended up with plenty of sand too 🙂

The math access point solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions, using language, such as enough, too much, or more, can be addressed here.

The science access point track objects falling to the ground can also be addressed 🙂

Ta DA!

It can’t really be seen in the photo but these did turn out pretty cool.

On Wednesday our fine motor group we made FLAT arrows BUMPY using tissue paper.

We started by discussing the color of the arrow and used communication symbols to identify it.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color is a science access point.

Then the students tore and crumpled tissue paper into little pieces. They dipped the paper balls into glue and pressed them down onto their arrows—-lots of pincer grasp practice here!

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

Next they squeezed glue onto the back of the arrow and patted it down onto a piece of orange paper.

Recognize when an object is added to or taken away from a situation is a math access point.

TA DA—-

we are going in the right direction!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We did 2 different activities that looked at opposites. Our first activity was about things that SINK and things the FLOAT.

We got 6 different objects. Our first job was to make a prediction if we thought the objects would sink or float. We talked about how things that are HEAVY tend to sink while things that are LIGHT tend to float. Each student got a chance to hold an object and predict if it would float or sink.

Our predictions resulted in everyone believing that all of the objects would float!

Observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic, is a science access point.

Now to put them to the test. Each student got to put an object into a tub of water. We looked to see if they sank UNDER the water or if they stayed ON top of the water.

We found that we were 50% correct in our predictions. 3 of the objects did float; however, the other 3 sank.

Our next activity focused on WET and DRY. For this we used “Squand” which is made by RoseArt. Our students got to POUR some of the Squand into a bin of water. They saw that the sand went from being DRY to getting WET in the water.

We found that when we pulled the sand out of the water, it was DRY once again!

Such a cool activity and very impressive to both the students and the adults—we were all completely fascinated! This stuff is the COOLEST!

Join us again next week for more fun and learning———–Group by Group!

May15

Planets

Posted on May 15, 2016 by jd785

Planets

We explored a galaxy closer to home this week—–our own! Each box in the sensory group was related to one of the planets. The fine motor groups made some out of this world art projects and the language group made a yummy “spacey” snack.

Sensory Group

Before we got to our groups we brought out our cool solar system umbrella. It was easily made with some battery operated lights, yellow craft foam, and some super cool hanging planets (thanks Ms. Kim). The students totally LOVED it!

Recognize a space related object is a science access point.

Jupiter is the largest of the planets and Mercury is the smallest. With this box our students sorted BIG shaker balls and SMALL pompoms.

Recognize differences in sizes of objects is a math access point.

They REALLY had fun with the big shaker balls 🙂

One of the most recognizable planets is Saturn with its famous rings. Our students used fluffy chenille stems to make circular shaped rings of their own.

Recognize an object with a two-dimensional shape is a math access point.

Mars is known as the “red planet”. We made used black cherry Koolaid to make the play dough this week and we think the color turned out really well and smelled nice too! A cookie cutter letter M was included.

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

We learned that Venus is a very hot planet with lots of volcanic activity. We made an orange and yellow discovery jar that looks like the planet’s surface using a technique that we found at http://mom.com The jar was so much fun to make that we made 2 more with different colors 🙂

Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

Since our planet Earth has a moon, we HAD to bring out our MOONSAND this week! The students used a round shape sorter to make circle shaped craters in the sand.

Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

Our “deep space” black kinetic sand contained some fun things to find including a blue-green planet—— Saturn!

Recognize a space related object is a science access point.

The planet Neptune is a beautiful blue color like our water this week! Since it is the furthest planet from the sun we figured it would be an ideal place to view other galaxies (lighted swim rings)!

There was also a scoop for pouring—-lots of splashy fun 🙂

The science access point observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic can be addressed here.

There are a lot of pretty noxious odors associated with some of the planets we explored! So rather than go realistic, we decided that midnight by Bath and BodyWorks was a pretty good choice—–after all, midnight is the perfect time for star gazing 🙂

Applied to hands, necks, or arms—–the science access point recognize one or more external body parts can be addressed here.

Fine Motor Group

On Tuesday our students made space shuttles using this template: space shuttle Recycled toilet paper rolls used to complete the project gave us a chance to discuss the Unique Curriculum theme for this month.

This group LOVED our solar system umbrella too!

We started our art project by asking the students to identify red and blue using communication symbols.

Identify objects by one observable property, such as color, is a science access point.

The student used red and blue markers to scribble on their rockets. We used Pipsqueak Markers by Crayola because their size is perfect for our students.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

To finish off the project, the students added a circle “porthole” with their photo. Nice pincer grasp practice!

Recognize a common object with a two-dimensional shape is a math access point.

We attached the space shuttle to a toilet paper roll to help it stand up and 10, 9, 8, 7,6…..

Ta Da we have lift off!

On Wednesday our students made a solar system!

We started by discussing the shape of our planets and asked our students to identify it using communication symbols.

Recognize an object with a three-dimensional shape is a math access point.

To make our planets we used styrofoam balls cut in half so that they were easier to glue down. The students then painted their planets and sprinkled on some confetti to add a little texture.

This gave us lots of opportunities to work on the math access point solve problems involving small quantities of objects or actions using language, such as enough, too much, or more.

Then the students glued their planets around the sun. Stars were added with some glue and glitter!

This activity addresses the math access point match one object to a designated space to show one-to-one correspondence.

TA DA——-welcome to our solar system!

Language Group

In our true language group style, we made a treat for the students this week——– a Saturn Slush! We got special help from one of our other SLPs this week, Judy, who came in and helped with the lesson.

To start off, we checked out the frozen strawberries and blueberries we were going to use for our recipe. We asked the students if the bags felt WARM or COLD!

Recognize objects or materials as warm or cold is a science access point.

We put some frozen strawberries in the blender. Then our students helped POUR some orange juice into the blender. We talked about how the colors of strawberries and the orange juice were different.

Recognize differences in objects is a science access point.

After that, we put in some confectioners sugar. Our students got to have some fun taking turns activating the blender.

The science access point recognize that electrical systems must be turned on in order to work, can be addressed with this activity.

Once the mixture was nice and smooth we POURED it into a bowl.

Then we put some frozen blueberries, more orange juice, and confectioners sugar into the blender and blended again until it was smooth.

We alternated the strawberry and blueberry mixtures into cups for our students (of course, counting the cups out first) so that they could see the different layers—–or at least that was the plan! Our pouring efforts ended up with everything kind of mixing together.

On the bright side the Saturn Slush tasted really YUMMY so no one really minded 🙂

We had so much fun learning about the planets this week! Be sure to join us again next time for more fun and learning——Group by Group!

Apr24

Nursery Rhymes

Posted on April 24, 2016 by jd785

Nursery Rhymes

April is National Poetry Month so we decided to make nursery rhymes our theme this week! Our sensory groups had lots of messy fun exploring boxes related to different characters. Our fine motor groups made some fun animal character art projects and the language group made a yummy treat based on nursery rhyme character.

SENSORY GROUP

There were three number 3’s to find in our Old King Cole black bean “coal”. The students had fun discovering the hidden numbers as they ran their hands through the beans.

They also like picking up handfuls and watching them drop back into the box.

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

Little Bo Peep’s lost sheep could be found in this box as well as some geese—that perhaps belonged to Mother Goose!

Both sets of animals came in a variety of sizes, shapes, and textures for sorting fun.

Match animals that are the same is a science access point.

Our Jack Be Nimble box contained Wikki Stix which are waxed strings like candles.

We also put a light toy that looked a little like a candle when the button was pushed.

The students really had fun with this.

The science access point recognize a source of light energy and the science access point initiate a change in the motion of an object are addressed with this activity.

Spiders scared Little Miss Muffet away but ours were super cute and not scary at all! We had 2 cute little furry spiders, one that jiggled when it’s string was pulled, and a discovery bottle with spiders that scuttled up and down.

The science access point track objects in motion can be addressed here.

Lots of giggles were heard with this box 🙂

The Queen of Hearts and the baker both love to bake so this box was filled with red velvet cake mix. We put in 2 different size scoops and a heart shaped cookie cutter for our little bakers to play with.

This was pretty messy but LOTS of fun 🙂

Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

Speaking of Little Miss Muffet, we learned that curds and whey are kind of like cottage cheese. We added cotton balls to our oobleck to get a lumpy kind of texture and were pretty pleased with the results. The oobleck started out white with each group but hands that had explored the red velvet cake mix tinged it pink!

The science access point demonstrate pushing away (repulsion) and pulling (attraction) is addressed here.

While rinsing their hands, the students had fun playing with Jack and Jill’s pail along with a couple of different size scoops.

The science access point recognize differences in sizes of containers that hold liquids (capacity) is addressed here.

As a nod to our Baker and the Queen of Hearts, both our water and lotion were raspberry scented (from Bath and BodyWorks). It was a really yummy smell that our students loved!

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students made handprint sheep!

First we discussed the shape of our paper and asked the students to identify it using communication symbols.

Recognize common objects with 2-dimensional shapes is a math access point.

Next we painted one of their hands with white paint. The students were pretty intrigued with this step 🙂

Then we helped them press their hands onto our grassy green paper.

The science access point recognize a change in an object is addressed here.

After their hands were cleaned, the students put 3 cotton balls onto their sheep’s tummy.

Match objects to designated spaces to show one-to-one correspondence is math access point.

Ta Baaaaaaa Da!

Tell Little Bo Peep we found her sheep 🙂

On Wednesday it was all about mice with our Hickory Dickory Dock clock! Our fabulous volunteers did all the set up for this project—-thanks ladies! Here is the template for the mice:mouse template for clock

We started by asking the students to out “mouse heads” using adaptive scissors—-counting how many cuts it took, of course! We also discussed the fact that the shape was a TRIANGLE!

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

After they finished cutting out triangles, the students glued them onto an OVAL shaped body—complete with colorful tail. They added 2 big CIRCLE ears and 1 little circle nose were added.

Recognize similarities and differences in size of common objects is a math access point.

Ta tick tock Da!!!

The students were SO proud!

To finish up, the students glued their mice onto the fabulous clock that our volunteers made. Then we counted them!

Associate quantities with number names is a math access point.

LANGUAGE GROUP

We channeled Humpty Dumpty for our language group and made some egg salad. We had already pre-boiled the eggs and cut them up.

Before we put them in the bowl, we let each of our students smell the eggs——and got some pretty funny faces from some of the students 🙂

Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli is a science access point.

Once the eggs were put INTO the bowl, our students counted out the spoonfuls of mayo (2) and the squirts of yellow mustard (3) that we put into the bowl as well.

Solve simple problems involving going or separating sets of objects to 5 is a math access point.

Our students helped POUR the cut up green onions and pickles into the bowl and helped SHAKE a little salt and pepper in as well.

We had to STIR the ingredients around until they were all mixed up.

We made 1 sandwich and cut it in HALF to make 2. Then we cut one of the halves in half and counted 3 pieces and then cut the other half and counted 4 pieces. Math with food is always a fun and YUMMY thing!

Partition a rectangle into equal parts with equal area is a math access point that can be addressed with this activity.

Since it was her last day, we also had a surprise for Joy’s practicum student——yummy cupcakes! We are sure going to miss you Ali!

Apr17

India

Posted on April 17, 2016 by jd785

India

Many states in the Republic of India are celebrating the New Year this week so we thought it would be fun to learn a little more about the country.

We are lucky enough to have students whose families are from India so that made it even more special for us as they contributed some of the photos we used in our book. The sensory groups explored boxes related to different facts about India. The fine motor groups made art projects with animals that are symbolic of the country and the language group made a yummy ethnic dish to eat!

SENSORY GROUP

Our rice was orange, green, and white this week because those are the colors of the Indian flag. There were lots of letter I’s to find both upper and lower case, as well as a picture of a Bengal Tiger, which is the national animal, at the bottom of the box.

Apply a push to move an object is a science access point.

We went with the flag colors, paper shred this time, as the base of this box. It was filled with animals that are symbols of the country such as tigers, peacocks, lions and elephants. We learned India is the only country in the world with both lions and tigers—-how cool is that! Cricket is a favorite sport so we included a picture of that also! There was a little teapot and cup in the box because tea is an important Indian export.

Recognize a model of a real object is a science access point.

The Taj Mahal is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and is located in Agra. Our students tried their hands at building a replica of the Taj Mahal using our white Floam. Not quite as lovely as the white marble used for the original but our students had fun anyway 🙂

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

Dahl or lentils are a staple food throughout India. Our box of dried lentils felt so cool to run hands through—-the students loved it! There were some King Cobras to find AND match in this box.

The math access point recognize two objects that are identical to each other is addressed with this activity.

There were some interesting discovery bottles for the students to explore. One bottle was filled with sequins—-like those seen on colorful saris. If looked at closely enough, a little elephant could be found floating around too! Our peacock discovery bottle was filled with blue and green sparkly glitter which made it pretty fascinating to watch swirl.

Track objects in motion is a science access point.

The other discovery bottles were had cotton balls with scents associated with India—-sandalwood and curry. These were some pretty interesting aromas and very intriguing to our students.

Recognize and respond to one type of sensory stimuli—-in this case smell—-is a science access point.

We put some green and orange glitter into our white oobleck—–once again representing the colors of the Indian flag. It was lots of fun to practice making the vertical and horizontal strokes needed to make a letter I!

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

Hands were rinsed in our Ganges River, complete with an Indian crocodile—-ours a very cute one 🙂 India is known for periods of rain called “monsoons” so we created a little one here using a hand operated water mister fan. When pointed above the students heads it created a mini rainfall—-resulting in lots of giggles.

Our water was scented with coconut bath gel as a nod to the fact that it is an important crop in India.

Recognize weather conditions including hot/cold and raining/not raining during the day is a science access point that can be addressed here.

We finished our group with mango scented lotion. Mangos are the national fruit of India. A perfect scent to remind us of all the things we learned about the wonderful country of India! The students really liked the aroma and as usual they practiced body part identification by indicating where they wanted it applied.

Recognize one or more external body parts is a science access point.

FINE MOTOR GROUP

On Tuesday our students painted a Bengal Tiger using marbles. The tigers were cut from orange poster board using this: tiger template

First the students identified the color orange using communication symbols.

Identify objects by one observable property such as color is a science access point.

The tiger was placed in a box, then the students scooped 3 marbles out of black paint and put them in the box.

Recognize when 1 or 2 items have been added to or removed from sets of objects to 3, is a math access point.

Next came the fun part which our students always LOVE—–time to shake, shake, shake!

Recognize that pushing and pulling an object makes it move is a science access point.

The lid was opened and our tigers had their stripes! Googlie eyes and popsicle stick handles were then added.

Recognize that the appearance of an object has changed is a science access point.

Ta Da…………….. GRRRRRRR!

On Wednesday, our students made peacocks—–the national bird of India. We used this: peacock template

We started by discussing the shape of the coffee filter and asked the students to identify it using communication symbols

Recognize objects with two-dimensional shapes is a math access point.

They used blue and green markers to scribble on the coffee filters and then…….sprayed their art work with water.

Recognize a change in an object is a science access point.

The filter was then folded in half and placed on a paper plate (we had cut in half ) to make it a little more stable. The peacocks body was placed on TOP of that then everything was stapled together.

Recognize a half of an object as part of the whole object is a math access point.

Ta DA! What beautiful peacocks!

LANGUAGE GROUP

We made some curry hummus in our language group! This was a neat recipe because there were so many things for our students to SMELL.

We started by putting a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas in our food processor. One student poured HALF of the can in and another student poured the REST of it in.

Recognize when an object or person is added to (addition) or is taken away from (subtraction) a situation is a math access point.

We then measured out some sesame oil and poured that in as well. Our students got to smell the sesame oil——some liked it and others were not so thrilled about it 🙂

We then squirted some lemon juice into the mixture. This time, our students got to TASTE the lemon juice. We talked about how it was SOUR.

They made some pretty funny faces when the lemon juice hit their taste buds!

After that, we shook some curry, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the food processor. Each of our students had a turn smelling the different spices.

These spices have some strong smells!

With all the ingredients added, the students used a switch to activate the food processor——-they always love that part 🙂

Observe and recognize a predictable cause-effect relationship related to a science topic.

Once all of the ingredients were smooth, each of our students got to taste some of the hummus on a piece of pita bread.

YUM!

Hope you enjoyed our visit to India this week! Join us next time for more fun and learning———–Group by Group!